# River Plate to Host Inter Miami for Messi Friendly Match Lionel Messi returns to the Monumental stadium for a high-profile January exhibition match. - **Source:** [La Nación](https://www.lanacion.com.ar) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4bc7f720-5220-4e34-a09c-8f76bd9ee64c ## Monumental Stadium Return River Plate is finalizing plans to host Inter Miami for a pre-season friendly on January 19, 2027. This match marks Lionel Messi's return to the Monumental stadium, the site of his final appearance with the Argentine national team. The event represents the first time the American club plays in Argentina. ## Historical Context of Rivalry This encounter will be the second time Messi faces River Plate in his professional career. Their only previous meeting occurred during the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final in Japan. Messi, then playing for FC Barcelona, scored in a 3-0 victory against the River squad managed by current coach Marcelo Gallardo. ## Institutional Ties and Honors River Plate maintains a strong institutional relationship with Messi, having named him an honorary member during his national team farewell. The club presented him with a commemorative plaque and a jersey featuring his name. His membership card uniquely references the date of Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, December 18. ## Early Career Connection The connection between the star and the club dates back to his formative years. Before his rise to global stardom, Messi participated in tryouts at River Plate. This period was marked by significant financial challenges related to the treatment of his growth hormone deficiency, which ultimately influenced his early career path. ## MLS Performance Metrics At 39 years old, Messi continues to dominate the MLS, recently securing his second consecutive league top-scorer title. He has recorded 26 goals and 14 assists in 30 matches this season. These statistics highlight his sustained physical condition and tactical influence as he prepares for the upcoming exhibition in Buenos Aires. ## MVP Award Ambitions Messi is currently the primary candidate for the 2026 Most Valuable Player award in the MLS. If he secures this honor, he will become the first player to win three such titles in the league's 31-year history. His performance remains critical for Inter Miami's standing as they enter the postseason playoffs. ## Inter Miami Playoff Status Inter Miami has already secured a playoff spot and home-field advantage for the first round of the competition. The team is currently focused on their final regular-season match against Charlotte FC. Winning this game is essential for the club to maintain their second-place position in the Eastern Conference standings. ## Upcoming Schedule Implications Before the January exhibition in Argentina, Messi is scheduled to appear in a tribute match for Carlos Tévez at La Bombonera this December. These high-profile appearances underscore his enduring popularity in his home country. The club has not yet issued an official announcement, but internal reports confirm the agreement is settled. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lanacion.com.ar/deportes/river-tendria-acordado-un-amistoso-con-el-inter-miami-de-messi-en-el-monumental-nid07112026/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._